Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between family business support and job creation of youth entrepreneurs has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Gombe State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Gombe State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of family business support on job creation of youth entrepreneurs, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While family business support is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on job creation of youth entrepreneurs within Gombe State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to family business support are helping or hindering job creation of youth entrepreneurs — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Family Business Support on job creation of youth entrepreneurs in Gombe State.
2. To assess the extent to which family business support influences job creation of youth entrepreneurs within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with family business support in relation to job creation of youth entrepreneurs.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing family business support in order to improve job creation of youth entrepreneurs.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of family business support on job creation of youth entrepreneurs in Gombe State?
2. To what extent does family business support influence job creation of youth entrepreneurs within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with family business support in relation to job creation of youth entrepreneurs?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize family business support in order to improve job creation of youth entrepreneurs?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around job creation of youth entrepreneurs. For managers and practitioners within Gombe State, the study provides practical insight into how family business support can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on entrepreneurship by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Family Business Support and its relationship with job creation of youth entrepreneurs within the context of Gombe State. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.